INTRO:
In its post-Hulk-A-Mania transition, these five Survivor Series events are Pay-Per-View (PPV) pendulums re: consistency and good taste. Yet, the 1992 main event accurately foretells the WWE’s two most pivotal mid-90’s players.
SUMMARY (1992): RUNNING TIME: Not Specified
From Cleveland’s Richfield Coliseum, commentators Vince McMahon & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan co-host the show. “Mean” Gene Okerlund and Sean Mooney are the backstage interviewers. Doink the Clown makes an unnecessary early appearance.
- “Reverend” Slick introduces the show with a ‘Survivor Series’ sermon.
- High Energy (Koko B. Ware & Owen Hart) vs. The Headshrinkers: Samu & Fatu (with Afa).
- Mooney interviews Nailz. Okerlund provides Big Boss Man’s rebuttal.
- Big Boss Man vs. Nailz in a ‘Nightstick-on-a-Pole’ match.
- Okerlund interviews an overblown “Nature Boy” Ric Flair & Razor Ramon – their segment includes a flashback to Mr. Perfect’s defection during a recent “Prime Time Wrestling” TV episode.
- Tatanka vs. “The Model” Rick Martel.
- Mooney interviews Randy “Macho Man” Savage and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig.
- Randy “Macho Man” Savage &“Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig vs. “Nature Boy Ric Flair & Razor Ramon.
- Okerlund interviews a fuming “Nature Boy” Ric Flair & Razor Ramon.
- Virgil vs. Yokozuna (with Mr. Fuji).
- From the locker room, Mooney interviews Randy “Macho Man” Savage and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig.
Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination Match
- The Beverly Brothers & WWE World Tag Team Champions Money, Inc. (with Jimmy Hart & “The Genius” Lanny Poffo) vs. The Nasty Boys & The Natural Disasters.
- A blatant plug (including cameos by Savage, Tatanka, & Hennig) for the Survivor Series ‘hotline’ is made.
- Kamala (with Harvey Wippleman & Kim Chee) vs. The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer in a ‘Coffin’ match (which includes a flashback recap).
- Mooney interviews WWE Intercontinental Champion Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels.
- Okerlund interviews WWE World Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart.
WWE World Title Defense
- WWE World Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. I-C Champion Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels.
- The winner is visited by Santa Claus.
REVIEW (1992): RATING: 5/10
The 1992 Survivor Series (without Hulk Hogan, The Road Warriors, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, the Ultimate Warrior, & “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith, among others) should be kept in its proper mixed-bag perspective. In other words, the two main events are good, but the undercard splits the difference between ‘bad’ and ‘ugly.’
For starters, let’s just ignore Doink’s ridiculous cameo. Instead of maybe a profitable heel turn (i.e., for main events vs. Bret Hart), the Big Boss Man is demoted into a garbage pile feud – it’s no coincidence that the ultra-clichéd Nailz’s effort reeks even by loose pro standards.
The Undertaker/Kamala showdown is also predictable dreck, but Mark Calaway’s reliability as ‘The Undertaker’ at least delivers what his fans want. The remaining undercard doesn’t inspire optimism. Case in point: the sole tag elimination bout spells out how dismal the WWE tag team scene really was at the time.
Flair & Ramon vs. Savage & Hennig, in contrast, is solid entertainment, in spite of its cheap finish. With an aging Savage taking their bumps, Hennig returns in style fifteen months after dropping the I-C belt to Bret Hart at SummerSlam. Despite its slow stretches, a vintage Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels World title showdown is a welcome antidote for this (at best) average Survivor Series. As for Santa’s cameo, suffice to say, it’s far better than earlier pushing Doink the Clown on fans in attendance.
SUMMARY (1993): RUNNING TIME: Not Specified
At the Boston Garden, commentators Vince McMahon & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan return as co-hosts, with Todd Pettengill as the new interviewer. On behalf of WWE Radio, “Gorilla” Monsoon & Jim Ross make cameos. “Family Feud” host Ray Combs introduces the ‘Family Feud’ tag elimination bout.
- An awkward Lex Luger and his real-life family provide a Thanksgiving greeting in a brief intro.
- An unidentified performer (an opera tenor?) sings the national anthem.
MATCH 1:
Captain: WWE Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon (Scott Hall). Partners: Marty Jannetty; 1-2-3 Kid; and Randy “Macho Man” Savage (replacing “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig).
VS.
Captain: I.R.S. (Mike Rotundo). Partners: Diesel (Kevin Nash); Adam Bomb; and “The Model” Rick Martel.
- Okerlund interviews Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels. Meanwhile, Combs interviews The Hart Family.
MATCH 2:
Captain: Bret “Hitman” Hart (with Stu Hart). Partners: Owen Hart; Keith Hart; & Bruce Hart.
VS.
Captain: Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels (replacing Jerry Lawler). Partners: Four anonymous and masked ‘Knights’ (one of whom is evidently Greg “The Hammer” Valentine).
- Flashback recap: The Foreign Fanatics vs. The All-Americans.
MATCH 3:
Smoky Mountain Wrestling Tag Team Champions: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express: Robert Gibson & Ricky Morton vs. The Heavenly Bodies: Jimmy Del Ray & Tom Pritchard (with Jim Cornette).
- Pettengill interviews Bam Bam Bigelow’s squad..
MATCH 4:
Captain: Bam Bam Bigelow (with Luna Vachon & Afa). Partners: Bastion Booger; Samu; & Fatu.
VS.
Captain: Doink the Clown. Partners: Mabel; and The Bushwhackers: Butch & Luke.
- Pettengill interviews The Foreign Fanatics.
MATCH 5:
Captain: Lex Luger. Partners: Scott Steiner; Rick Steiner; & The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer).
VS.
Captains: WWE World Champion Yokozuna (with Mr. Fuji & Jim Cornette). Partners: Crush; WWE World Tag Team Champion “Quebecer” Jacques Rougeau (with Johnny Polo); & Ludvig Borga.
- The ‘survivor’ is visited by Santa Claus.
REVIEW (1993): RATING: 4½/10
At times, this show is as much of a turkey as its campy promo posters would imply. Most telling is an uncomfortable Luger struggling to live up to his ‘Total Package’ prime. Even teaming with three fellow ex-WCW alums can’t spark him as a convincing main event super-hero. It’s easy to blame his ultra-clichéd, straight-out of-the-WWE-marketing-department gimmick, but Luger fails to justify the showcase built around him. Hence, the xenophobic main event is mostly a disappointment for all involved. Against someone the caliber of Great Muta, maybe Luger would have brought his A-game.
The show’s best match comes first, as the fiery Savage vs. Crush feud resurfaces throughout the show. In particular, The 1-2-3 Kid, Adam Bomb, & Marty Jannetty get equal opportunities to shine, though Razor Ramon, I.R.S., & Savage reliably supply the star power. In an unsurprising rout, the subsequent ‘family feud’ caper meets modest expectations, despite an awkward pause for Michaels’ mid-match water break.
Much like the illogic of defending the WWE European Championship in, say, South America, let’s not bother pondering a regional Tennessee promotion’s tag title defense in Boston. Putting the ridiculous geography aside, the tag match is decent filler, as the Rock ‘N’ Rolls’ rehash their 80’s chemistry with arch-nemesis Jim Cornette. Re: Bigelow’s first Survivor Series in six years, it’s the less said the better. As fair warning, Bastion Booger’s gross physique is an eyesore demanding a six-pack of indecent exposure citations.
Come the end, ‘The Lex Luger Show’ throws a bone to Scott Steiner, but it’s the brief Undertaker vs. Yokozuna fireworks that’s worth catching. Along with Savage & Crush, they supply the other reason the live audience finally comes alive in the main event. It compensates for a stagnant Luger vs. Borga showdown that fans demonstrate virtually zero interest in.
The 1993 Survivor Series offers okay viewing, due to Savage (in his last Survivor Series), the Undertaker, I.R.S., Bret & Owen Hart, and even a thirsty Michaels. There aren’t any gems on this formulaic program, but it’s safe content for younger fans (aside from an eyeful of Mr. Booger). Like the year before, a Santa cameo concludes the festivities on an upbeat note.
SUMMARY (1994): RUNNING TIME: Not Specified
At San Antonio’s Freeman Coliseum, “Gorilla” Monsoon returns to team up with Vince McMahon as co-commentators. Todd Pettengill is the overly enthusiastic interviewer.
MATCH 1:
The Teamsters: WWE World Tag Team Champions Diesel (Kevin Nash) & Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels; Jeff Jarrett; Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart; & “King of Harts” Owen Hart.
VS.
The Bad Guys: WWE Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon (Scott Hall); 1-2-3 Kid; “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith; & The Headshrinkers: Fatu & Seone (with Afa & Capt. Lou Albano).
MATCH 2:
The King’s Court: Jerry “The King” Lawler; Cheesy; Sleazy; & Queasy.
VS.
Clowns ‘R’ Us: Doink the Clown; Dink; Wink; & Pink.
- Pettengill interviews new WWE Women’s Champion Bull Nakano.
MATCH 3:
WWE World Title Defense (Submission Match Rules)
- WWE World Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart, with “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith & Helen Hart vs. Bob Backlund with “King of Harts” Owen Hart.
- Pettengill interviews a gloating Owen Hart.
MATCH 4:
The Million Dollar Team: Bam Bam Bigelow; King Kong Bundy; Tatanka; & The Heavenly Bodies (with Ted DiBiase & Jim Cornette).
VS.
Pride & Glory: Lex Luger; Adam Bomb; The Smoking Gunns; & Mabel (with Oscar).
- Pettengill interviews Bob Backlund
MATCH 5:
Casket Match (with Chuck Norris as the Guest Trouble-Shooting Referee)
- The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer) vs. Yokozuna.
REVIEW (1994): RATING: 3½/10
In a throwback to classy old school wrestling, Bret Hart vs. Backlund is this show’s unchallenged winner. Still, there are dual problems: one is that Backlund’s charisma-free style ensures this World title match is mostly a bore, and the other is that Owen Hart’s telegraphed sub-plot becomes a foregone conclusion to really no one’s gain.
If one prefers cartoony fun worthy of The Three Stooges, then look no further than the shameless Lawler-Doink farce. Its exploitative slapstick spells out exactly why mainstream audiences shun midget wrestling. In another decisive blow to good taste, the ‘casket’ match proceeds just as one might expect. Celebrity guest Chuck Norris scores the show’s easiest paycheck, as all he has to do is show up and essentially do nothing. A late intrusion by a horde of WWE villains (for no apparent reason) adds further nonsense to a lame finish.
As for the other two tag elimination matches, they mostly consume oxygen. One is ‘The Kliq Show,’ as its sole goal is ego-stroking Ramon, Nash, Michaels, and 1-2-3 Kid. All others involved are simply there to help ‘bolster’ the suspense. Still, the Kliq’s ongoing angle is relatively entertaining — notably, its ultra-improbable finish gives a peeved Owen Hart the night’s best line of dialogue.
As for the lackluster Bigelow vs. Luger tag match, it’s the equivalent of watching a mere contractual obligation. Hence, an apathetic Luger’s descent to the undercard appears justified. By no means is the 1994 Survivor Series the worst entry in this franchise (no, that’s the 1990 fiasco featuring the guy in the dancing turkey suit), but 1994 is definitely this set’s low point.
SUMMARY (1995): RUNNING TIME: Not Specified
From the USAir Arena in Landover, Maryland, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig joins Jim Ross & Vince McMahon at the commentators’ table. Todd Pettengill and Michael “Dok Hendrix” Hayes conduct backstage duties. The WWE’s Spanish language commentators, Hugo Savinovich & Carlos Cabrera, appear in a cameo late in the show.
Like WrestleMania X the year before, the WWE hires The Tonight Show’s President Bill Clinton impersonator, Tim Watters, for multiple parody segments with Pettengill, Bob Backlund, and/or Sunny – let’s just say the WWE pushes this moronic excuse for comedy relief into overkill mode.
- “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig receives a hero’s welcome on his way to the commentators’ table.
MATCH 1:
The Underdogs: Barry Horowitz; Hakushi; Bob Holly; & Marty Jannetty.
VS.
The Bodydonnas: Chris “Skip” Candido (with Sunny) & Tom Prichard; Rad Radford; & the 1-2-3 Kid (with “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Sycho Sid).
- An incensed Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) is shown in the ‘good guys’ locker room.
- Mooney interviews Owen Hart; Shane “Dean” Douglas; Yokozuna; Mr. Fuji; & Jim Cornette.
MATCH 2:
WWE Women’s Champion Alundra Blaze; Kyoko Inoue; Sakie Hasegawa; & Chaparita Asari.
VS.
Aja Kong; Bertha Faye; Tomoko Watanabe; & Lioness Asuka (with Harvey Wippleman).
- Pettengill ‘interviews’ Tim Watters (as Mr. President).
MATCH 3:
- Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Goldust (with Marlena).
- Pettengill ‘interviews’ Tim Watters (as Mr. President) again – this time, with Bob Backlund.
- Flashback recap: Undertaker vs. ‘King’ Mabel.
MATCH 4:
The Dark Side: The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer); Savio Vega; Henry O. Godwinn; & Fatu.
VS.
The Royals: ‘King’ Mabel (with “Sir Mo”); Triple H; Jerry “The King” Lawler; & Isaac Yankem (aka “Kane”).
- Bret “Hitman” Hart & WWE World Champion Diesel (Kevin Nash) trade comments re: the imminent World Title showdown.
- Pettengill interviews “British” Bulldog Davey Boy Smith; Jim Cornette;“Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase; Sycho Sid; Shawn Michaels; & Ahmed Johnson.
MATCH 4: (The Wild Cards, with Jim Cornette playing both sides)
Ahmed Johnson; “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels; Sycho Sid (with Ted DiBiase); & “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith (with Cornette).
VS.
“King of Harts” Owen Hart; Yokozuna (with Mr. Fuji & Jim Cornette); Shane “Dean” Douglas; & WWE Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon (Scott Hall).
- It’s Round 3, as Pettengill ‘interviews’ Tim Watters (as Mr. President) with Sunny.
MATCH 5:
WWE World Title Defense (No Count-Out, No DQ, & No Time Limit)
- WWE World Champion Diesel (Kevin Nash) vs. Bret “Hitman” Hart.
- The commentators offer concluding remarks, along with a program highlight reel.
REVIEW (1995): RATING: 7½/10
The bad news doesn’t take long:
In one of his worst-ever efforts, a distracted Bigelow is far off his game vs. the glittery Goldust. It’s unknown if Bigelow simply had zero interest being there, but this match is putrid. Considering the other glaring in-ring eyesore is Dustin Rhodes’ androgynous gimmick, a viewer’s best option is skipping this showdown entirely.
Despite her considerable in-ring talents, Blaze’s timing appears off in the first women’s Survivor Series elimination tag match in eight years. Unfortunately, this rout is mere filler. The acrobatic magic The Jumping Bomb Angels & Velvet McIntyre displayed at the 1987 Survivor Series is dazzling by comparison.
Lastly, lampooning tone-deaf politicians is all-too-easy, but the unfunny Pettengill-‘Mr. President’ segments should insult anybody’s intelligence. The sleazy pick-up gag re: Sunny late in the game spells out this eye-rolling garbage.
Now, for the good news:
The other three elimination bouts are often dynamite. In particular, the ‘wild card’ concept clicks, despite too many smug wink-winks and nonchalant shrugs between buddies on opposing sides. McMahon & Ross schmooze Michaels’ resiliency and in-ring talent far too much, but such shameless, Michael Jordan-esque fawning doesn’t impact the bout’s satisfying finish too much.
The Undertaker-Mabel showdown is a hoot to watch, particularly when one participant is amusingly twice refused a tag-out by his three pals. As for the opener, the undercard residents put forth a relatively good effort — the veteran Jannetty, in particular, deserves some kudos.
In a brutal masterpiece that nearly overstays its welcome, Bret Hart & Nash unleash the best effort of Nash’s year-long title reign (and, most likely, his career). Nash’s post-match eruption appears legit enough, but the “Hitman” was seemingly the only guy outside the Kliq (aka Michaels & Nash’s backstage buddy squad) who could spark an extraordinary effort out of Nash.
With liberal use of the remote control, the 1995 Survivor Series still delivers the necessary goods. Considering the impressive star power that rival World Championship Wrestling (WCW) possessed at the time, it’s a better-than-expected report card for the WWE.
SUMMARY (1996): RUNNING TIME: Not Specified
From New York’s Madison Square Garden, co-commentators Vince McMahon and Jim Ross get some help from Sunny and Jim Cornette. Kevin Kelly, Michael “Dok Hendrix” Hayes, and Todd Pettengill handle backstage duties.
MATCH 1:
Doug Furnas; Phil LaFon; & The Godwinns: Phineas I. & Henry O. (with Hillbilly Jim).
VS.
Marty Jannetty; Leif Cassidy (aka Al Snow); & WWE World Tag Team Champions “King of Harts” Owen Hart & “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith (with Clarence Mason).
- Kelly interviews Mankind & Paul Bearer.
MATCH 2:
The Undertaker vs. Mankind (with Paul Bearer).
- “Dok Hendrix” interviews Triple H’s squad.
MATCH 3:
WWE Intercontinental Champion Triple H; Crush; Jerry “The King” Lawler; & Goldust (with Marlena).
VS.
Marc Mero (with Sable); “Stalker” Barry Windham; Jake “The Snake” Roberts; & Rocky Maivia (The Rock).
- Flashback recap: Bret “Hit Man” Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
- Kelly interviews “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
MATCH 4: (WWE World Title Number No. 1 Contender’s Match)
- Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
- “Dok Hendrix” interviews Sycho Sid.
MATCH 5:
- Yokozuna; Savio Vega; Flash Funk; & Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka
VS.
Farooq (Ron Simmons); Vader; fake ‘Razor Ramon’; & fake ‘Diesel’ (with Jim Cornette & Clarence Mason).
MATCH 6:
WWE World Title Defense
- WWE World Champion Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels (with José Lothario) vs. Sycho Sid.
REVIEW (1996): RATING: 8/10
Out of six matches, amazingly, only one is sub-par — but it’s a colossal stinker. Specifically, by towing the company line, an indignant Ross defends the WWE’s controversial use of no-name replacements for Kevin Nash & Scott Hall as the new ‘Diesel’ and ‘Razor Ramon.’ In the show’s penultimate bout, their tag elimination showcase is plagued by botched choreography. McMahon & Ross can only cover up this sludge so much. Maybe it was scripted that way, but the abrupt finish is the equivalent of a stage manager mercifully axing a bad dress rehearsal.
Note: Previously portraying ‘Isaac Yankem’ at the 1995 Survivor Series, Glen Jacobs is the fake ‘Diesel’ here. Luckily, for him, these dubious personas proceeded his re-packaging as ‘Kane.’
However, much like last year’s brutal Diesel vs. Bret Hart WWE World Title slugfest, both Undertaker vs. Mankind and Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin are high-caliber. Still, casual fans should be aware that these bouts are ultra-violent by mid-90’s standards.
The first two tag elimination matches are above-average entertainment. The underrated Doug Furnas & Phil LaFon deserve kudos for ensuring the franchise has another traditionally rousing opener. Later, the future Rock scores a star-making debut (including a glimpse of his future rivalry vs. Triple H), as it’s welcome compensation for watching Windham & Roberts in action far past their primes.
RE: Shawn Michaels-Sid, their World Title showdown is better-than-expected, as a supposedly exhausted “Heartbreak Kid” (with help from Lothario) plays up this sympathy angle for all it’s worth. Suffice to say, this bout surpasses Michaels & Sid’s obligatory (and eye-rolling) title rematch at the 1997 Royal Rumble …. conveniently in front of Michaels’ hometown crowd, no less.
Accordingly, for overall entertainment value, the 1996 show proves the best of this anthology set — though the 1995 installment isn’t far behind.
QUALITY CONTROL:
Despite lacking a re-mastered/HD upgrade, the picture quality is generally excellent. As for remote control access, one can either watch the entire event by one command or click to individual segments. More specific than what is seen on its packaging, the order of matches, special attractions, interviews, and even the announcers’ closing comments are spelled out. However, there aren’t any bonus features.
PACKAGING:
The dates, locations, and running times of the five shows aren’t included. However, consumers are told the approximate running time is 15 hours. Designed like a fold-up wallet with a nice photo montage included, each sleeve provides a detailed listing of the disc’s contents.
However, these discs can too easily slide out of their sleeves, so scratches may be inevitable. By comparison, the WWE packaged its 1988-1992 Royal Rumble Anthology, Vol. 1 far better with conventional DVD page casings to prevent this potential problem.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6/10 Stars
